The biggest 2021 Christmas TV specials to get excited about: From Call the Midwife to Strictly Come Dancing and Mrs Brown’s Boys

There’s a whole lot to look forward to this year (Picture: BBC Studios / Alan Peebles)

The nights are drawing in, it’s officially big coat weather and we’re already tucking into the mince pies and mulled wine. It can mean only one thing – Christmas TV is coming, with a host of brilliant specials to look forward to. 

Some of the biggest shows on the box are preparing to bring us festive episodes over the festive period.

Viewers looking to curl up in front of the fire and watch brilliant telly are well catered for this year, with Christmassy comedies and intriguing dramas coming their way.

There are returning favourites to look out for, as well as new shows bringing us their first ever seasonal one-offs.

These are the biggest Christmas specials to look out for in 2021.

Call The Midwife

It wouldn’t be Christmas TV without Call the Midwife (Picture: BBC)

Christmas telly wouldn’t be quite the same without Call The Midwife, which is coming back for its customary special this year.

There’ll be a host of familiar faces returning to Poplar to take part, including Miriam Margolyes’s Mother Mildred who missed the 10th series of the show.

Fans won’t have long to wait long before new episodes arrive earlier, with series 11 airing in January.

Release date: December 25

Doctor Who 

Jodie Whittaker and co. will feature in a festive episode (Picture: BBC Studios/James Pardon)

There is a festive episode of the hugely popular sci-fi series coming our way, with a special episode starring Jodie Whittaker airing over the Christmas period.

The first of three 2022 specials marking the end of Jodie’s time in the role will air on New Year’s Day 2022. It’ll be followed by another instalment in the spring, before Jodie’s final episode airs in autumn 2022.

With 2021 series Flux already getting off to a spectacular start, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Release date: January 1, 2022

Ghosts 

The cult comedy is back this Chistmas (Picture: BBC/Monumental Television/Guido Mandozzi)

Fans of the cult BBC comedy Ghosts have been waiting patiently for new episodes after series three, and it’s been confirmed that the show is coming back for a Christmas special. 

There’s a new face joining the cast alongside Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Martha Howe-Douglas too, with Jennifer Saunders taking part in the new episode.

While a release date has yet to be announced, the show is thought to be airing on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Release date: TBA

Mrs Brown’s Boys

The festive favourite is back this year (Picture: BBC Studios / Alan Peebles)

Another staple of British telly at this special time of year, Mrs Brown’s Boys is returning once again for a Christmas special. 

Back in 2020 the show’s creator Brendan O’Carroll said there would be at least five more years of the specials, and there’s expected to be two more coming on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year – although the exact air dates have yet to be confirmed. 

While further details are sparse at the moment, we do know that the episode will pay tribute to the show’s crew member Dennis Knotts, who died after contracting Covid.

Brendan shared just how much Dennis would be missed, and a tribute has been planned for the upcoming Christmas instalment.

Release date: TBA

Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby

Julie lends her voice to the upcoming tale (Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images)

There’s a star-studded animation coming to Channel 4, with some huge Hollywood names taking part. 

Julie Walters, Hugh Dancy and David Harewood will all lend their voices to the family show, which is based on the work by Sir Terry Pratchett. 

The one-off festive tale tells the story of a quintessentially English town, which is changed forever after a heavy snowfall leads to the appearance of a 14-feet tall Abominable Snow Baby.

Release date: TBA

Strictly Come Dancing

More stars will take to the dance floor this Christmas (Picture: BBC)

The current series of Strictly is proving one of the most entertaining in years, and there’s more to come after the champion is named, too. 

There’s a special programme coming our way on Christmas Day, which will see some Strictly favourites from years gone by take to the ballroom.

Who will be named this year’s Christmas champion? Tune in on December 25 to find out. 

Release date: December 25

The Larkins 

The Larkins arrived on ITV earlier this year (Picture: ITV/Nicky Johnston/Rex/Shutterstock)

The Darling Buds of May reboot arrived earlier this summer and won over viewers on Sunday nights, and it was recently confirmed that the Bradley Walsh vehicle will be back for a bit of festive fun on ITV.

Bradley announced the news on the One Show that there was going to be a Christmas episode coming our way, with filming underway in Kent.

‘We’re making the Christmas Larkins in Kent,’ he said. ‘We’ve got all the snow. Honestly, it’s amazing, absolutely tremendous. Brilliant, brilliant.’

Release date: TBA

Death In Paradise 

Danny John-Jules is back this year (Picture: BBC)

It might be getting chillier outside, but viewers can head to the Caribbean this December for a very special Death In Paradise instalment.

For the first time ever, a feature-length episode is heading to our screens and the programme’s 10th anniversary celebrations are also being marked by the return of Danny John-Jules as charismatic Officer Dwayne Myers for the first time in four years.

More: Strictly Come Dancing

Danny John-Jules said: ‘It’s always a pleasure going back to the Caribbean. And after four years away, fitting back into the fold should be seamless as I know all the new leading cast members already.

‘I look forward to bringing Dwayne and this tenth anniversary special script to life.’

Release date: TBA

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Will there be a Doctor Who Christmas special this year?

MORE : EastEnders spoilers: Diane Parish reveals dramatic Christmas story for Denise